Czech-Saxon Switzerland

Description of touristic attraction

Castle Stolpen

Medieval castle Stolpen is one of the most beautiful castles in Germany. Because of its high towers you can see it from far distance. The castle was  named after the medieval name for the column ("sloupín" - the place with columns), the columns are the volcanic eruptive rocks. The first mentions of the castle date back to 1100, most of the extant buildings come from Gothic era, the castle was later rebuilt in Renaissance architecture. In the 17th century the castle served as a fortification, it was damaged during the Napoleon wars, nowadays it is state property and it is used as a museum. The castle is well-known because of the countess Coselová who spent 49 years in captivity in the dungeon which is the longest stay in castle´s history. In Johannova (Coselova) tower there is a permanent exhibition of her adventurous and fatal life. Her grave is in the castle chapel.
Garden
In the café that is in the place of former castle kitchen and the dining room,from Easter till the end of October the visitors can have a refresment or drinks according to the season. Enjoy the quiet sitting with the view of the high towers...

Exposition "glass & rock"
From 2000 there is an exposition in the sandstone arcades in former cellars, that shows the glass-making tradition of this area. You can watch the craftsmen creatively making the stuff. The visitors can also buy the art products made mostly from the rock (sandstone)

Small castle theatre
The premises were used for the agricultural purposes, from 1997 they are used for the theatre performances, dramalogue and art.

Ceremonial hall
From time out of mind this hall was used for children christening, confirmation, funerals and mainly for the weddings. Thank to the cooperation with Stolpen town office people can still have their weddings there - the resistance of the basalt walls should be the guarantee of the eternal union.

Basic informations: 

Opening hours:
Daily: April - October 9 - 18      (last visit at  17:30)
Daily: November - March 10 - 16 (depends on weather)
 
Admission fee:
Adult 3 €; Children (7-16 yrs.) 2 €; Children under 7 yrs. Free of charge
Taking pictures or video  1 €
Tour prices:  (have to be announced ahead)
Adult group 30 €; Scholars group 15 €
Night tour: (out of the opening hours) from 170 €
 

Více informací o zajímavosti

• Type: Lookouts
• Village: {ZAJIMAVOST_Village_NAZEV}
• Region: Saxon Switzerland